A first date is any type of initial or previously acquainted meeting between two individuals where an effort is made to ask, plan and organize some sort of social activity. Dating can vary between cultures, lifestyles, religion, gender, etc. In many countries and cultures it is the process that romantic relationships are developed and future spouses are found. Often, people are set up on dates by their friends, or they meet the individual at work, a party, class, etc. All of these ways are example of how two people can begin the “dating process.”

Purpose of a Date

The purpose of a first date is the same as the purpose of any date. A date is not simply going out with friends. Because of this, first dates are highly important. They often set the tone for the relationship between two people. As the study by Mary Claire Morr Serewicz, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at the University of Denver, and Paul Mongeau, professor at Arizona State University, states that first dates "represent an important early event in the development of dating relationship." For example, if a date didn’t go according to ones standards, the couple might choose to only be platonically involved, which means having no romantic relationships with that person in the future. However, if the date was successful and both parties’ goals were accomplished a second date might be lined up. First dates represent potential relational turning points in individuals' lives.

Components of a Date

Mongeau's research shows that the term "date" can be condensed into four sub